Vaccination for Cats

Why vaccinate?

In common with human medicine the introduction of immunisation against several serious and often fatal diseases in cats has provided a widespread reduction in the incidences of these infectious conditions. It is tempting to assume that because we hear little of these diseases they are no longer a threat to cats. However, these infections have not gone away and are still present in our area. All cause distressing illness, which may be fatal despite veterinary treatment, and can leave surviving cats with permanent health issues.

How does vaccination work?

Vaccines contain harmless (either weakened or dead) variants of the viruses and other infectious agents. When the animal is vaccinated the immune system in the body responds by generating a protective mechanism through the formation of antibodies. If exposed to the actual germ at a later date the antibodies in the vaccinated animal will prevent the disease developing. Animal immunisation mostly uses combined vaccines so that protection against multiple diseases may be given with one or two injections. However, vaccines don’t give lifelong immunity and that is why yearly booster vaccinations are recommended.

What do we vaccinate against?

Cat Flu (Feline Herpesvirus & Calicivirus) These are viruses which are spread by sneezing and cause painful tongue ulcers, sneezing, runny eyes and coughing. They can result in permanent damage to the nose and sinuses leading to a chronic snotty / blocked up nose. Cats become carriers for years.

Feline Enteritis (Panleucopaenia) This is a highly contagious and very resistant virus. It can live in soil and on the streets for up to a year and can be brought home on footwear and clothing. It causes severe vomiting and diarrhoea. Without treatment cats die within hours. Even with treatment many cats die or take weeks to recover and may have permanent intestinal damage.

Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV) This is a virus which is spread from cat to cat by direct contact and saliva. It causes immunosuppression, cancers, anaemia and death.

Feline ChlamydophilaThis causes conjunctivitis with one or both eyes becoming reddened and swollen with a thick discharge. Young cats are most susceptible to infection and in some cases it cause pneumonia.Immunisation against all of these diseases can be achieved with an injection of a combined vaccine.

What we offer

There are many types of cat vaccine available. We use what we believe to be the best quality vaccines on the market. These are supported by up to date technology and research.

The feline vaccine we use has been modified to keep pace with the gradual changes to one of the cat flu viruses and offers the most comprehensive protection available.

These vaccines are as pure as possible reducing the risk of any injection site reaction. They are free of adjuvants, the chemicals which stimulate the immune system and which have been shown to be a cause of vaccine site reactions.

Our vaccines provide EXCELLENT protection in the kindest form.

Annual Health Check and Booster

To maintain continued and effective immunity we recommend your pet has an annual vaccination booster.

Our vaccination protocols are guided by scientific evidence collated by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association and Feline Advisory Bureau. Our vets will assess your pet’s lifestyle and risk of infection to ensure that your cat’s boosters are balanced to maintain protection while not over-exposing them to vaccines.

At Avonvale we book a full health check for every cat having a vaccination to ensure that your pet is in good health to receive the injection.

Your vet will check your cat’s heart and respiration, and examine his or her eyes, ears, mouth and coat. Your cat will be weighed and physically examined for any unusual lumps or swellings. Your cat’s medical records will be updated for future reference and the vaccination card signed.

Cats faster metabolism means that they are often described as aging 7 years for every 1 calendar year. An annual health check for your pet is like a human visiting the doctor once every 7 years. This is an ideal opportunity for you to mention your concerns about your cat’s health and care in general. If your cat is insured evidence of annual health checks is often required when claiming for illness or dental problems.

We will send you an annual postal or email reminder for boosters to your pet.

Lapsed Boosters

If a booster is more than three months late, i.e. it is more than 15 months since the last vaccination, then a complete two injection primary course will be needed to ensure effective immunity.

Vaccinating Kittens

The primary vaccination is a course of two injections given 3 weeks apart.

Two doses of the vaccine are required initially. Young animals still have some protection from their mothers in their bloodstream, which can affect the efficacy of vaccination, so a second injection of the same vaccine is given to ensure complete immunisation.

Kittens must be at least 8 weeks old for their first vaccination.

Our vets complete a full examination and health check for your kitten at each visit to monitor their growth and development.

We encourage younger kittens to come in for a FREE Health Check.

We will provide a certificate of vaccination at the 2nd vaccination appointment.

This will be updated with every booster and provide a record of your pet’s immunization which is required by reputable catteries should you wish to use them.

An annual booster is required to keep up effective immunity.

Kittens can safely go out into public places 2 weeks after their 2nd vaccination. (Earliest 13 weeks of age)

Until then they should receive plenty of stimulation such as play indoors and may be carried outdoors for supervised play on the owner’s garden.

For savings on vaccinations ask about Junior Pet Club, Gold Club or Pet Club Plus

These plans offer the best value ways to vaccinate your cat and ensure he or she has all the preventative health protection recommended for a fit and happy life. They also offer opportunities to spread the cost over 12 months, save money and receive discounts on other treatments and services.

OR

Our New Kitten Programme which provides a one off package of primary vaccinations, plus worm and parasite treatment to give your kitten the best start in life.